The 10 Scariest Things About Lock Repair

Door Lock double glazed repair glazed windows glass repair near me [recent Repairmywindowsanddoors Co blog post] - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that isn't latching properly is a clear indication that it needs to be repaired. The testers from CR mark the spot where the latch is in contact with the strike plate using lipstick. Tightening the hinge screws could solve the problem.

Spraying a dry lubricant like powdered graphite or WD-40 on the lock's cylinder can also help.

Check the Latch

The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock when it is pulled back by the knob or handle. Deadbolts and latches with positive locking are popular options for additional security. If the latch doesn't close or latch properly it could be due to an issue with the alignment between the latch and strike plate inside the door frame.

The most common reason for this is loose hinges. They may sag over time and cause the latch to miss its strike plate. Make use of a lipstick test to determine. Apply some lipstick on the edge of the latch, double glazed windows Repair and then place an edging strip to the strike plate. Close the door, and you'll see where the latch touches the plate. This will let you determine whether the contact is high or low for proper operation.

If the latch is contacting the strike plate at a distance of more than 1/8 inches high or too low, you'll need to reposition the strike plate. This is a simple task that is typically accomplished without the need to remove the doors. You'll need a filing tool to expand the strike plate hole. Half-round files are the best since it follows the shape of the strike plate hole.

After the strike plate has been repositioned, you'll need to tighten the screws that connect it to the frame of your door. This should be enough to allow the door to latch and close properly. If this doesn't work then tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door and check if this helps.

If the latch is not in alignment after the lubrication process, Double Glazed Windows Repair you'll need take more drastic measures. You can take off the strike plate, and then use a chisel that is sharp on the mortise of the strike plate, allowing you to move the latch upwards or downwards. Alternatively, you can employ a metal file to reshape the strike plate so it will fit better into the mortise. You may want to think about this option if worried about the strike plate falling off when you travel in your RV.

Make sure you check the Keyway

If your lock is not working properly, you could be leaving yourself and your property vulnerable to burglars. Some door lock issues can be resolved without the assistance of an expert. This includes a key that won't fit or a lock that sticks when turned. The sooner you notice an issue the more likely it is that you can solve it on your own.

If your keys don't fit smoothly or easily It could have rough spots that you need to smooth out. You can hire a locksmith to do it for you or you can do it yourself. Insert the key and move it around trying to find a spot which is producing friction. If you find any of these, you can file down the rough spots with a fine metal file.

Another issue with door locks is a locked or jammed latch or bolt. This can be caused by debris or a damaged piece of key that is stuck in the mechanism. You can make use of pins or needles to remove the debris. However it is recommended to contact a locksmith to conduct a thorough inspection and to remove the broken piece.

A deadbolt that doesn't stay extended through the strike plate may be an indication of a defective lock. Over time, the screws that hold your deadbolt together may loosen and cause it to shift. This makes your home more vulnerable to burglars. Changing the screws can assist, but if your deadbolt is still shifting it could be the time to invest in superior hardware.

In the end, if you're experiencing difficulties with an cylinder lock that does not turn when you press the key it could be due to the key cylinder is stuck. If this is the case, apply a lubricant to loosen it up. You can also apply dry lubricant, or WD-40 spray to lubricate and remove any buildup. Keep an ounce of these items in your pocket and use them periodically to keep your locks in good condition. A lubricated lock is more likely to last longer than one that isn't.

Check the Hinges

Loose hinges can be the cause of the cylinder of a door lock that is easily rotated when the door is opened but doesn't lock when closed. This issue is fixable. First tighten the screws on the hinges to make sure they're not sagging. If the issue continues Try adding or removing the hinge's shim' to change the alignment. These plates made of small metal are available at hardware stores and online.

Sand the edges of the hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to ensure they are flush with the frame. Another common cause of trouble locking is that the bolt for the latch could be too high or repairs low in the strike plate. To find out, put a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then, you can place a piece of masking tape over the strike plate. When you shut the door to the front the lipstick will stain any portion of the tape that touches. This will indicate whether the latch is located above or below the hole.

If the latch isn't interacting properly with the strike plate it may be due to an accumulation of dirt and grime. A q-tip soaked in silicone spray or graphite powder can remove the debris, allowing the lock to function exactly as it should.

If the issue is still not fixed after using a lubricant, the lock cylinder might be seized and need to be replaced. This is a job for an expert, but not that difficult for anyone familiar with basic home repairs. When replacing the lock's cylinder, choose one that has tested and rated by the BHMA to ensure that there are no issues with fitting and finish.

The hardware used to lock the door could be flimsy or poorly designed. This kind of lock usually requires more maintenance than a quality lock, and may not last as long. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock can usually solve this issue. To ensure that your lock will last for years, you should choose a model with an endurance rating of B or greater.

Make sure you check the Strike Plate

A door latch that does not reach the strike plate can cause a myriad of issues that range from preventing the door from shutting and latching properly to making it difficult to open. Fortunately, it's not as difficult to fix as it appears. Doors that are sagging, gravity or even foundation movement can result in a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The good news is that simple adjustments are often enough to correct the problem.

If lubricating and tightening the hinges doesn't fix the problem it might be required to move the strike plate to a different position to align with the latch. To do this, you must first remove the strike plate and mark where the latch is in contact with it. Mark this area with lipstick, caulk, or a stripe of masking tape. If the mark is lower than the hole where the strike plate is, it means that the latch is not hitting the plate sufficiently high. A lower strike plate can resolve the problem. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, you can move the strike plate upwards a small amount.

Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate must be adjusted, you can remove the strike plate from the frame. Make sure the screws are in a safe place to allow you to replace them at a later date. You will also need to grease the keyway of the strike plate to ensure that it can move smoothly.

Next, determine whether the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike plate hole. You can do this using lipstick, paint, or chalk. After closing the door, you can open it to see where the mark was left on the masking tape or latch. If the mark is located below the strikeplate, this means that the latch is hitting the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate angle will solve the problem.

To adjust the strike plate, take it from the mortise. Then using a sharp knife, chisel, or hammer, widen the plate to ensure that it can be moved upwards or downwards to align with the position of the latch. Test the door after the strike plate is moved to make sure that it closes and latches effortlessly. Once you have completed the adjustments, attach the strike plate back to the door frame and fill in any old gap or screw holes with wood filler that is the same color as the rest of the frame of the door.